Advent wreaths? They’re lovely. Advent calendars? They’re great. But Advent houses? That’s a new thing entirely. For me, at least. Turns out the Lutherans had a similar gig or village tradition going back in the nineteenth century.
In an article from 2013, Kath Bates explains the advent calendar’s history.
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin phrase “coming toward.” For Christians, the period of Advent marks “coming toward” the most important date in their year, the birth of Christ. The idea of physically marking Advent has its roots in late 19th century Germany, when the Lutherans made chalk marks on doors from December 1st until the 24th. There are two contenders for the very first Advent Calendars. According to the Landesmuseum in Austria, the first one was produced in Hamburg in 1902 by a protestant bookshop owner. Others claim that the first hand made calendar was made in Germany in the late 19th century for a child named Gerhard Lang. Lang’s mother stuck 24 tiny sweets to a square of cardboard, for her son to eat over the Advent period. This simple idea stayed with Lang and when, as an adult, he went into partnership with his friend Reichhold, they opened a printing office. In 1908 they produced what is thought to be the first-ever printed Advent Calendar.
Nowadays, you can get an Advent calendar with chocolate, whiskey, wines, and just about anything that will run the course of 24 days.
But I was talking about Advent houses…
I love my village. I use the possessive there in the same generic way as I’d say my hometown or my country. It doesn’t just belong to me. It’s not mine in any tangible sense of the word. But it’s not about ownership; it’s about belonging.
That most of the village doesn’t understand what I’m saying is neither here nor there. That I’m only guessing at what they’re saying to me doesn’t matter. It’s the sense of place that’s important.
I saw on the village FB page that there’s a new thing going on this Advent. Twenty-four houses in the village have been coopted into this programme. Each day, a new house reveals an advent number in their window.
It started in one of the village centres and then moved on.
It’s become a treasure hunt – the first three people to send in a photo of the latest numbered window win a prize. I’m a little behind the times though as I’ve only found 1-3. I need to vary my route tomorrow evening to see if I can find 4-6.
Isn’t it a great idea?
I’m impressed!
There’s a very active community group here. There’s always something going on. My favourite has to be the pigeon exhibition in the summer. I’m a massive fan of the Tibetan sound baths. And I’m working my way up to entering the annual baking competition.
Hats off to them. However much is lost in translation, I’m grateful life brought me to Balmo.
For more on the Grateful series.
